England emerge victorious beating Pakistan by 12 runs in 2nd ODI

SOUTHAMPTON (DNA) – England clinched the victory in a nailbiting competition against Pakistan as they won the match by 12 runs in the second ODI at Southampton as took a 1-0 lead in the five match ODI series.

World Cup hosts England, top of the ODI rankings, made 373/3 with Jos Buttler‘s unbeaten 110 off just 55 balls which was well supported by Eoin Morgan, who reached 71 not out off 48, and built on a gritty knock from Jason Roy on his return from injury.

But Pakistan, thanks mainly to opener Fakhar Zaman’s 138 off 108 balls hitting 12 fours and 4 sixes, stayed in the hunt before a target of 19 off the last over, bowled by Chris Woakes, proved just beyond them as they finished on 361 for seven.

Pakistan managed to score 361 runs for 7 wickets in the second inning while chasing 374 runs when they fell short of just 12 runs.

Asif Ali scored a fiery 51 off 36 balls hitting two fours and 4 sixes before getting out at long-off in an attempt of hitting a biggie.

England scored 373/3 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in the first inning against Pakistan.

Both openers, Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow, started off by scoring a half-centruy in their 115 runs opening partnership by consolidating a marvelous start for English cricket team when Pakistani pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, made a breakthrough by getting Bairstow out at deep backward square after he scored 51 off 45 balls with six fours.

Jason Roy tried to steer England towards a big total with his 87 along Joe Root in 62 runs partnership for second wicket beforing getting out to a mid-on catch off Hasan Ali bowling.

Joe Roots followed Jason Roy after few overs when Yasir Shah got him out to the midwicket after he scored 40 runs off 54 balls hitting three fours.

Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and elected to field against England in the second one-day international. “It looks like a good batting pitch and we want to try and bowl first and take early wickets,” said Sarfraz.

“We know it’s going to be a high scoring game so we have to be positive. We’re hoping we can restrict them to 270-280 and chase the target.”, said England captain Eoin Morgan.

In the Pakistan squad, Yasir Shah has replaced Muhammad Amir, whereas, Muhammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik will not be playing today’s match.

The series, which started with Wednesday’s no-result washout at The Oval, continues in Bristol on Tuesday.

Few days ago, the first one day international match between Pakistan and England at Oval was cancelled due to rain.

It is worth mentioning here that Shoaib Malik was earlier allowed by the team management to leave for ten days to deal with a personal issue upon the veteran’s request.

In the absence of Shoaib Malik, the Green Shirts lost the one-off T20I against England by seven wickets on May 5. The first ODI was washed out by rain on May 8.

The series will be followed by the World Cup 2019 from May 30. Pakistan will face their first challenge against West Indies on May 31.